As both professional chefs and home cooks know, a good cutting board is an essential kitchen tool. Whether you’re chopping vegetables for a large meal or slicing raw meat, a sturdy board offers a safe and reliable cutting surface. Here we’ll explore the best butcher block cutting boards in 2023, providing all the information you need to make the best choice.
Wooden Boards vs. Plastic Boards: What’s the Best Option?
The debate between wooden cutting boards and plastic boards has been ongoing for a long time. Both have their strengths, and choosing the best cutting boards ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.
- Wooden Cutting Boards: These are a popular choice among professional and serious home chefs for several good reasons. Not only do they offer an aesthetic appeal, but wood types like acacia wood, walnut wood, and beech wood also provide a surface that’s gentle on your knife blades, thereby preserving their sharpness. Plus, end-grain board or edge grain design can stand the test of time with proper care. Brands like John Boos and Brooklyn Butcher Block offer high-quality butcher block cutting boards in a variety of wood types and custom sizes.
- Plastic Cutting Boards: These are generally easier to clean and more lightweight than their wooden counterparts. While they can show deep grooves and knife marks more readily, they’re often a more economical choice. Plastic cutting mats are also a good option for smaller tasks or as a portable choice.
The Importance of Size and Features
When choosing a butcher block, consider different sizes and important features that fit your cooking style and kitchen space.
- Size: For a large size cutting board, ensure you have ample space in your kitchen. Smaller boards might be a good choice for limited spaces or less heavy use.
- Features: Look for boards with hand grips for easy handling, generous juice grooves to catch meat juices, and a reversible board design for versatility. If you like to double your cutting board as a serving board or charcuterie board, opt for designs that cater to this.
Best Butcher Block Cutting Boards in 2023
Here are the top three butcher blocks that have won the hearts of many cooks this year:
Reversible Maple Cutting Board
Made from northern hard rock maple wood, this high-quality butcher block is an industry standard. With end grain construction, it provides an excellent cutting surface and can last a long time with regular maintenance. This board does require hand washing and immediate drying with a clean dish towel to prevent warping.
Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Teak boards are an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. This board offers a large surface area for food preparation and deep juice canals. The teak wood requires special care but is highly durable.
Acacia Wood Boards
Acacia are a budget friendly option. Made of premium natural acacia wood, which is environmentally friendly and food safe with a beautiful wood grain. These boards won’t last as long as Maple or Teak boards but they are a great budget friendly option that will look beautiful in your kitchen.
Oxo Good Grips Utility Cutting Board: If maintaining a wood butcher block cutting board isn’t for you this plastic board offers a non-porous surface, perfect for handling raw meat. It’s dishwasher safe, features juice canals, and offers an excellent price point for those on a budget.
Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Cutting Board in Good Shape
Proper care is crucial in maintaining the longevity and quality of your cutting board.
- Cleaning: For wooden boards, wash with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry immediately to prevent water damage. Plastic boards can often go in the dishwasher.
- Maintenance: Regularly applying mineral oil to wooden boards helps preserve their quality and prevents them from drying out. The Boos Block Care Set is great for helping maintain wooden cutting boards and utensils. Plastic boards generally don’t require this step.
- Replacement: Over time, if your board’s surface develops deep grooves that are hard to clean, it’s time for a replacement.
Wrapping Up
The best butcher blocks can handle the demands of daily use while adding a touch of charm to your kitchen. Whether you prefer the warmth of a wooden cutting board, like an acacia, walnut, or beech wood board, or the practicality of a plastic cutting mat, you’re spoilt for choice in 2023. Remember, the perfect cutting board for you hinges on your cooking needs, space, and budget.
Good news! The market is filled with good options for all types of cooks. With great attention to your board’s care, it can serve you well, making each meal preparation a pleasure. Your perfect cutting board, be it a simple plastic board or a solid butcher block, is out there. So go find it!